Priest Dismissed For Contact With Minor; NoVA Priests Accused

ARLINGTON, VA — The Diocese of Arlington has dismissed a Fairfax County priest who admitted to sexual contact with a minor and Fairfax County Police are investigating the case. The Rev. Christopher Mould, pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton, admitted on Oct. 15 that he had sexual contact with a minor once between 1992-1995, when he was parochial vicar at St. Thomas à Becket Church in Reston, the diocese said.

Church officials reported Mould's admission to Fairfax County Police, said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge told parishioners at the Clifton church on Saturday. Anyone with information on Mould's behavior is asked to contact police directly at (703) 246-7800.

Mould has been relieved of all priestly duties and is now living someplace where he will not be in contact with any minor near a church or school property, Burbidge wrote in a letter to the diocese. The Diocese of Arlington will fully cooperate with law enforcement, the bishop said, and Mould faces a church disciplinary process, as well.

"Father Mould has expressed deep contrition for his actions, and he accepts that there will be serious and severe consequences for them," Burbidge said.

Church officials ask anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse by any cleric or church employee to report it to the Virginia Attorney General hotline and local police, and also to contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (703) 841-2530.

"The Diocese of Arlington is fully committed to a zero tolerance policy related to sexual abuse of minors," Burbidge said. "Any such incident is a grave sin and a profound betrayal of trust. I express my heartfelt regret to the individual who was harmed by Father Mould’s actions. As is the case with any instance of sexual abuse of a minor, I have ensured that the counseling services of our Victim Assistance Coordinator are available to anyone who may need them."

SEE ALSO: New Abuse Claims Against Former DC Cardinal; List Of DC, VA Priests Accused

In February 2019, Bishop Burbidge released names of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse against minors. The list covers the history of the diocese since its founding in 1974.

Religious order priests

Richmond Diocese Priests Incardinated into Arlington Diocese

Incidents took place before Arlington Diocese founding in 1974

The Diocese of Arlington covers 21 counties and seven cities in northern and central Virginia. The complete list of accused priests has been published on the Arlington Diocese website.